Welcome to What The Fire

The social media arm of Forensic Origin & Cause Investigations.

Through What The Fire, we explore the world of fire science and fire investigations. Our mission is to provide expert insights into fire-related incidents, share cautionary case studies, and offer an inside look at the life of a fire investigator. With over 10 years of experience in fire investigation, we are committed to educating those who are interested in fire with bite-sized easily digestable information.

Inconsistency is not Fraud

An inconsistency matters, but it does not automatically prove dishonesty. Forensic experts need to identify conflicting evidence, test it and explain its significance without turning a discrepancy into an unsupported allegation of fraud.

Community

5 days ago5 min read

Australia has always been a fire country. Long before emergency warnings, aerial waterbombers and government-funded hazard reduction programs, Aboriginal people (Indigenous people of Australia also referred to as First Nations) understood how fire moved through the landscape. They knew when to burn, where to burn, how intensely to burn, and crucially, when to leave Country alone. Fire was not a disaster waiting to happen. It was something to understand, respect and use with precision and care.

A Turning Point for Fire Country: NSW's Landmark Cultural Fire Strategy, June 2026

Australia has always been a fire country. Long before emergency warnings, aerial waterbombers and government-funded hazard reduction programs, Aboriginal people (Indigenous people of Australia also referred to as First Nations) understood how fire moved through the landscape. They knew when to burn, where to burn, how intensely to burn, and crucially, when to leave Country alone. Fire was not a disaster waiting to happen. It was something to understand, respect and use with

News Commentary

Jun 177 min read

Working Hand in Hand: How Insurance and Fire Investigations Create Stronger Outcomes Together

While they may serve different purposes, their collaboration is crucial in uncovering the truth, protecting policyholders, and ensuring fair outcomes.

Fire Investigators

Jul 2, 20252 min read

The Scientist-Detective: Inside the World of a Fire Investigator

When the flames go out, our work begins. As fire investigators, we don’t chase motives; we uncover facts. Through science, observation, we read the clues left behind in smoke and ash. Every burn pattern, every melted wire, every trace of accelerant tells a story. It’s our job to listen.

Fire Investigators

Jun 25, 20253 min read

The Fire Line Is Thinning. Why We Must Prepare the Next Generation of Fire Investigators

Nearly half of the world’s fire investigators are set to retire in the next decade—and with them, decades of hard-earned knowledge risk disappearing. This isn't just a staffing issue; it's a credibility crisis for insurers, attorneys, and public safety professionals who rely on accurate, timely investigations.

Community

May 1, 20253 min read